Stevie‘s review of Conjure Women by Afia Atakora
Historical African American Literary Fiction published by Random House 07 Apr 20
I love reading historical fiction told from the point of view of those whose voices have been consistently under-represented, and this book certainly fits the bill. Told from the point of view of an African American woman born into slavery, who comes into her own during and immediately after the American Civil War, we get to see how she and the people around her adapt and embrace new ways of life as a result of the massive social and upheaval happening around them.
Rue is the daughter of a healer and takes on that role following her mother’s death, although there are many aspects of it that she finds difficult, particularly when it comes to acting as midwife to the women living in her village. One birth haunts her especially, that of the child known as Black Eyed Bean, because of his unusual eyes. Rue has many secrets, some learned as a result of her work for her former Master before the war brought freedom to her people and death to the plantation owners, and others relating to her own actions during and after the war. Bean’s parents also have their secrets, and Rue learns these as she goes about her work in the village and forms an uneasy alliance with a visiting preacher.
The book in no way shies away from the cruelties inflicted on Rue and her people by the white people living alongside them before, during, and after the war, but it also shows up the attempts at kindness from members of one group to individuals in the other, and illustrates how life is difficult for all of the women, no matter what level of freedom they appear to have at any given time. The narrative also shows up how the times Rue lived through as a young woman are not that far removed from our own, and how their echoes still influence modern society within the US and beyond.
A beautiful and thought-provoking book that isn’t easy to describe without giving away important plot elements. I’m looking forward to reading more from the author.
Grade: A
Summary:
Conjure Women is a sweeping story that brings the world of the South before and after the Civil War vividly to life. Spanning eras and generations, it tells of the lives of three unforgettable women: Miss May Belle, a wise healing woman; her precocious and observant daughter Rue, who is reluctant to follow in her mother’s footsteps as a midwife; and their master’s daughter Varina. The secrets and bonds among these women and their community come to a head at the beginning of a war and at the birth of an accursed child, who sets the townspeople alight with fear and a spreading superstition that threatens their newly won, tenuous freedom.
Magnificently written, brilliantly researched, richly imagined, Conjure Women moves back and forth in time to tell the haunting story of Rue, Varina, and May Belle, their passions and friendships, and the lengths they will go to save themselves and those they love.
Read an excerpt.
